Relevamiento de la cupremia en rodeos de cría bovina del chaco semiárido salteño (Argentina)

Abstract

Copper deficiencies in beef cattle have been reported from several studies across different areas of Argentina. However, the status of systemic copper concentrations (Cu) in beef herds located in the arid northwest region (Province of Salta) remains unknown. The objective of this trial was to determine copper plasma levels in cattle from Anta Department (Salta, Argentina). A total of 185 animals (cows and heifers) from 10 different beef farms were bled between May and October 2013. Concentrations of plasma Cu were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were categorized into three levels: 1) normal (Cu > 60 μg/dl); 2) slightly low (Cu between 30 and 59 μg/dl); and 3) low (Cu < 29 μg/dl). Results showed an overall normal status in both cows and heifers among farms. Moreover, the mean concentration of Cu was not different between cow and heifers. The incidence of slightly low cases was 8% of the total sampling. Further investigations are required to contrast copper concentration in dry versus wet seasons as well as to consider eventual causes of low values in water sources, soils and pastures.